Top Eight Resources for a Resume Critique

College career centers often provide resume advice to students and alumni.

Pros: “These centers often have career counselors to critique your resume, either for free or at minimal cost,” says Mann.

Cons: Some career centers advocate a standard, one-size-fits-all resume format that might not meet your needs. If your college doesn’t offer resources for critiquing resumes, ask your academic advisor or a professor for assistance.

How to Find One: Check your school’s Web site for career services and ask if the office provides resume critiques.

Industry Professionals

Many professional associations offer resume critiques. If your job search is not confidential, you may also ask your supervisor or trusted colleagues, says Scudder.

Pros: “Your boss knows the mind-set of hiring executives in your field, and he or she knows the industry jargon that you should include in your resume,” Scudder says. Similarly, professional associations know what is expected in your industry.

Put your tax dollars to work for you by taking advantage of the services offered at the federal, state or local level.

Pros: There are government programs that offer no-cost vocational and employment services, including resume reviews.

Cons: Eligibility for some programs may be restricted, and there could be long wait times.

How to Find One: Visit your state government’s Web site to learn about career-related programs. State and Local Government on the Net provides state-specific links to government offices. At the federal level, check out Job Corps and the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.

Monster’s Resume Tips Message Board

Monster members can post their resumes — strip out all personal information, please — on the Resume Tips message board to get feedback from other job seekers.

Pros: You can receive free advice on how to strengthen your resume and handle dilemmas such as job-hopping or changing careers.

Cons: Not everyone gets in-depth feedback, and you may receive conflicting advice from the community.

How to Find It: Visit the Resume Tips message board. You can also check out the Cover Letter Tips message board for a cover letter critique.